Publisher's Summary

Sheryl Sandberg - Facebook COO, ranked eighth on Fortune's list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business - has become one of America's most galvanizing leaders, and an icon for millions of women juggling work and family. In Lean In, she urges women to take risks and seek new challenges, to find work that they love, and to remain passionately engaged with it at the highest levels throughout their lives.

Lean In - Sheryl Sandberg's provocative, inspiring book about women and power - grew out of an electrifying TED talk Sandberg gave in 2010, in which she expressed her concern that progress for women in achieving major leadership positions had stalled. The talk became a phenomenon and has since been viewed nearly 2,000,000 times. In Lean In, she fuses humorous personal anecdotes, singular lessons on confidence and leadership, and practical advice for women based on research, data, her own experiences, and the experiences of other women of all ages. Sandberg has an uncanny gift for cutting through layers of ambiguity that surround working women, and in Lean In she grapples, piercingly, with the great questions of modern life. Her message to women is overwhelmingly positive. She is a trailblazing model for the ideas she so passionately espouses, and she's on the pulse of a topic that has never been more relevant.

this book was recommended by a senior ex public servant who read it late in her career. there are some great points made, important issues raised. not all of which are relevant to me (as a non parent) but valuable and interesting nonetheless

thought provoking and mostly easy to listen to. the performance was hard to listen to for long periods of time as there wasnt a lot of variation in her energy. parts seemed a little repeatative but there is enough content of which i found useful and intetesting to recommend to others. im loving the jungle gym analogy!

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Its quite sad to know this is written pre her husband passing away because she talks so fondly of him and so much. Overall I found it really uplifting to listen to, so much so I shared it with my sister via the share this book thing - she's in need of a bit of professional peppin' up at the moment juggling being a mum and career focused, this does the job.. I mean why not learn from the best right?

Any additional comments?

Read this is you want to read a " female version of the Elon Musk/Steve Jobs book " Failing that just listen because its ace, and listening to things that are ace, is ace.

Sheryl Sandberg made so many good points I will go back over this again. I recommend this to anyone who intends to be a leader in the field. Gender discussions are brilliant. Its got plenty of amo (in a good way) for women to recognise ways that may empower themselves - in professional environments - but can also be applied to everyday. <br/>My partner (male) is also reading it and he has found it enlightening for advice for working alongside women in the work place & also for general leadership insights.

What an amazing woman - great mentoring - I really loved all of this book. I catch myself saying 'Yeah Janita - we are sitting at the table and it feels GOOD!'. A sensational feel-great book for any and every woman.

I had heard a lot about this book, but I really wasn’t sure that I could relate to this woman. At all. I expected a book by a carefully made up, wealthy, privileged woman with an excellent education in a token leadership position. I expected someone with a lot of help who could “do it all”, with little – if any – credit to the people who helped her do it.

I, on the other hand, joined the Army for the college benefits, and I put myself through law school. I don’t aspire to manage a corporation. In fact, indirectly, I work for one of the people she mentions in her book. I am an attorney, and I want to be the best litigator I can be. I am also the proud mother of two teenagers, and I worry that I shouldn’t have worked outside of the home – but that wasn’t a choice I had.

I was wrong about Sandberg. Like me, and the rest of us, she is real. Sandberg’s a sociologist, a critic, a coach, a realist. Sandberg gives props to important leaders from Warren Buffet to Betty Freidan, and to her administrative assistant and her friends. Bravo! Sandberg, get out your pom-poms - Tip O’Neil is calling from the grave.

Sandberg doesn’t mention “Games Mother Never Taught You” by Betty Lehan Harrigan (1987), but that is analogous to some of the tactics she recommends. Yes, it would be better if we (women) didn’t have to bend to the (male) rules, but we do. Harrigan’s book is a guidebook, and as helpful as Freidan’s “The Feminine Mystique” in some ways.

There is a hysterically funny tale involving an eBay corporate jet and an itchy child’s head, but for real fun, skip to Chapter 6 (7 on audible) and listen to the first minute. Sandberg reminds us even while we should do what we would do if we weren't afraid, motherhood keeps us grounded.

Oh, and did I mention – Sandberg is the COO of Facebook – and she really does know what she’s doing?

This book is fantastic. Lean In!

[If you found this review helpful, please click the Helpful button. That’s why I write these reviews!]

504 of 526 people found this review helpful

Claudia

Aspen, CO, United States

17/03/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Make your life count - no matter what you do"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I write this review as a way to invite EVERYONE to read this book. <br/><br/>

Who was your favorite character and why?

The only character is my favorite - the woman who cares to make her life engaging and important to herself and those around her. <br/><br/>This is a book written as a manifesto and manual for changing the way women behave and are regarded. How you regard yourself and how our culture regards you.

What aspect of Elisa Donovan’s performance would you have changed?

I became accustomed to the narrator but would have preferred a more mature and mellifluous voice. I think the more mature voice might have also had more credibility.<br/><br/>For me, there is a nasal edge that grates ever so slightly the entire book.<br/><br/>All I could think was "Ms. Sandberg must have been mentoring or sponsoring this person".

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. In fact, this book is to be really listened to - the more attention paid, the better the results. <br/><br/>Also, there is a companion website that is spectacularly effective and interesting for building skills.<br/><br/>I might actually purchase the book as well as having listened to it. There are sections I will want to read again and again.

37 of 39 people found this review helpful

Andy

Westport, CT, United States

27/03/13

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Performance

Story

"full of useful info...without the corporate-speak"

Full disclosure: I'm a guy. Wow, if women in corporate America have been walking around with these insecurities for the past too many years, there is a lot of repairing to do. Sandberg lays out a wide range of sensible solutions to pick from; all designed to allow women (or men) to perform at their highest level. If enough folks read this book and are able to bring its solutions to the workplace, we could probably add another percentage point or two to GDP growth! Narration is great.

30 of 32 people found this review helpful

Briana Melissa Ford

Lewisville, TX

8/05/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Lean in...to this book!"

What did you love best about Lean In?

The entire story! Sheryl was open and authentic, honest and forthright. She gave us information about her path as well as suggestions for how women can do it better. An official favorite.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended, for women AND men.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Mary

EDMOND, OK, United States

21/03/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Redefining Feminism"

Sherly Sandberg has redefined feminism to what women of my generation had always hoped it could become, a movement that gives people of both genders the freeedom to become all they choose to be. The book is well written and honest with specific suggestions on how women and men can make the workplace and home more supportive to allow for these choices. She shares her own personal experiences and success without arrogance, but in a manner that shares her learning with others to support them in their own journey.I bought the book in print for my son and daughter-in-law who are expecting their first child in July - a daughter. I bought the book for my daughter and all of her friends. She is early twenties just beginning her career. Sheryl has provided a road map by sharing her knowledge that will provide young women with information many of us wish we had had during our careers. Outstanding book which I believe will become a turning point in the feminist movement world wide.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

neversilence

new york

12/03/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"A BOMB!"

What did you like best about this story?

Sheryl Sandberg isn't afraid to share. Everything is extremely personal and inspiring. I am recommending this book to my male friends. I believe that they will be able to understand and help with gender equalities if they read Sheryl's book.

What does Elisa Donovan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Elisa's voice is similar to that of Sheryl's. I am glad that I listen to it rather than read it.

26 of 28 people found this review helpful

Claudia H

Philadelphia, PA

21/04/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"I battled with the narration"

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narration was fine most of the time. The narrator often had a voice that sounded like she was a doll or consoling a child. It just felt like she was trying to sound extra girly and her voice was an octave higher than it should be. The topic of this book made me feel like that kind of sound was not appropriate for the book. The editing made it so it was sway between these different tones, I didn't love it. I didn't let these feelings ruin the book for me. I just would have preferred a different narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Due to the statistics and facts that accompany each anecdote it would make it a bit painful to listen to in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

For the most part, I really liked her message. I like the stuff about work, but things related to having kids doesn't apply to me right now, so I found it less interesting. I think this book is definitely worth the read.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Njm

17/03/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Wow--if you're a mother/working women, a must read"

If you could sum up Lean In in three words, what would they be?

A must read!

What did you like best about this story?

Maybe some women don't need to hear this; maybe they are already aware and changing or simply not this way, but as an executive with almost two decades of experience, this one captured my attention and then left me gaping in horror--I was hearing her describe me! Only, I thought I was alone. I wanted to hear more--who was this intruder and how did she escape?

Any additional comments?

This is one I will keep in my office and hand out like candy

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

STERLING, VA, United States

18/03/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Insightful book, with warm, energetic narration"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The book takes a frank look at issues affecting women in the workplace, cutting a swathe through the veil of political correctness around the topic. Sandberg takes no prisoners in her frank look at the subject, attacking gender stereotypes propegated by both men AND women. It's a unique voice in the discussion on modern feminism and honestly one that's needed.

12 of 13 people found this review helpful

HARUKA

Torrance, CA, United States

12/03/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Very inspiring!"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely reccomend this to a friend.<br/><br/>Even way (and I mean, wayyyyy) before I was a mother to my two children, I had always wondered how I would ever be able to juggle both work and motherhood. As a now stay at home small business owner, I still struggle to find the answers to my self or the family.<br/>The author tackles the issue with her own highly professional career experiences with plenty of scientific data to back up.<br/>Easy to read and very inspiring. Definitely a huge eye opener.<br/><br/> By the time I finished reading, I felt like as if I was given a clear path to the solutions, although it will not come without the help of my husband, now I see where I should put my full effort in achieving a good balance between work and home.<br/><br/>One thing though that I wished to see was how companies could provide a flexible work time without economical penalties... If there's any way!<br/><br/>But overall I'm very happy to have read the book and also given the media attention this book is getting already, I'm thrilled to see the movements that are coming along the way! <br/><br/>Thank you Sheryl for inspiring us women!

29 of 33 people found this review helpful

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Anita Solanke

26/09/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"As a black woman let me say this!"

So many people who reviewed this had said it was hard to relate to her because she was Jewish and came from a middle class background. As a black woman from the lower class background I still found myself nodding and even clapping along to what was being said. This is a MUST read.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Laura

8/09/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Fantastic!! A must read for women and men!"

Inspiring, engaging and very interesting. Excellent narrative, uses data and information from a variety of sources to make objective points.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Marcelle Bousson

5/08/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Thumb's Up"

I really loved the book, learned and understood a lot about myself. Bought 2 hard copies for my Manager and a good friend of mine. Even though I wanted to stop listening to it after the Author Mrs Sandberg wrote "The gap is even worst for women in colours" It is the most offensive description to say knowing that White (or something like that) it's a colour too. There were many other words that she could have used like "The gap is even worst for women from different backgrounds, Ethnicities, Countries, etc... But well this shows as well how forgiveness for some people in ignorance and sympathy to does men in power and few jealous woman It is important, as the writer herself haven't update herself in knowing that it is offensive to call someone coloured .... And I was quite surprised that she did not touch on that subject later in the book.

Was it to have us all on board right at the beginning? or...

Because when I finished the book I felt that we had find a great advocate for white women in the work force.

But for the others there is no solution yet as she straight from the beginning remind us how none existent we are leading at the top. But yet did not mentioned it again ...

I will stop at that.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Emma

31/07/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Interesting view on women in the workplace"

A lot I can relate to, helping me with thinking about my career. Would recommend.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Patches

11/06/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Female leading in a male world corporate"

great perspective on how to succeed in a male dominated corporate world whilst juggling many other elements of life. Tips for both genders in how to succeed generally. Good read, well narrated.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

9/06/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Fantastic book for women striving to achieve"

Would you listen to Lean In again? Why?

Full of facts, figures and insight that inspire, drive and encourage women to take hold of their careers with both hands and wring every drop of potential out of life as possible.

What other book might you compare Lean In to, and why?

It shares parallels with tarah Wheeler Van Vlacks women in tech - both books encourage women to push themselves and strive for the best

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES. But also awesome to dip in and out of

Any additional comments?

I am so glad I read this book!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

L. Mitchell

3/05/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Incredible thought provoking and powerful"

If you could sum up Lean In in three words, what would they be?

A clear look at the inequality that still plagues women on everyday life and how we must look and consciously identify our own barriers as well as those that people place in our way. <br/>I found this book educational, with data backing up statements, thoughtful and very very powerful. By the end of this book, I found I was owning up for my own failing for not 'Leaning In' but also with a resounding commitment to 'sit at the table' and 'speak up'. <br/><br/>I believer that everyone should read/listen to this book at least once in their life. I would also recommend any person - Man or Women should listen to this book to ensure that they do not fall into systemic problems that have not yet been eradicated.

What other book might you compare Lean In to, and why?

To shake things up, I would recommend an autobiography 'How to be a Woman' by Caitlin Morgan.

Did Elisa Donovan do a good job differentiating each of the characters? How?

Whilst the narrative was good, I had to speed up the narration.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

3/04/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"inspirational"

I needed to hear this advice. reading this was like having high quality mentoring. Thank you!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fatima

8/02/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"intresting"

Definitely gave me a new perspective, made me look from a different angle. thank you

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

UK

6/02/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Fantastic"

One if the best books I've listened to on audible, definitely read or listen to this book

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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